Of all three materials, porcelain is the least expensive and glass is the most expensive but the most durable. However, be aware that tiles can chip or crack. Exposed aggregate is a great choice for pool surfaces as it's a beautiful and natural product. It also won't deteriorate like other options like plaster will.
Tile Finishes
Though tile is the most expensive pool finish and takes longer to install than plaster and aggregate, it's the longest lasting pool surface. With proper application and minimal maintenance, tiles should never need to be replaced. Tile pool finishes come in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone.
It generally takes between three and 12 weeks to install a concrete pool. That's longer than other types, but concrete is considered the strongest, most durable type of pool. And unlike other in-ground pools, existing concrete pools can be rebuilt, refinished, enlarged, or updated.
Standard white plaster is the tried and true pool and spa surface finish. White plaster has been around as long as people have been building swimming pools and it remains a popular choice in spite of the myriad of choices that have come into the market in recent years.
Pebble Tec is more durable than Diamond Brite and can continue to give you service for years without getting damaged. Pebble Tec is mainly used for new swimming pools, while Diamond Brite works best when resurfacing an old facility. The two products make a pool to be more attractive and make it more welcoming.
Diamond Brite
With a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, and with a stunning appearance, it is an excellent choice for some pools. This option provides the best bang for the buck – it is truly beautiful and durable, but it just doesn't feel as luxurious as our all-time favorite plaster, Hydrazzo (see below).
River rok is good alternative, stones are somewhat smaller and smoother than pebble tec. Can also custom the colors to your liking.
Pebble Tec®
While it is more expensive than plaster, it is the highest quality pool resurfacing material available due to its longevity and ability to hide chemical residue.
Diamond Brite lasts eight to 12 years before it fades and gets spotty. We recommend acid washing this finish after about five years to keep it bright. Each style and color has a different price, but a Diamond Brite finish costs about $5,000 to $10,000.
Quartz pool finishes are a combination of a quartz aggregate and polymer-modified cement – technically making it a kind of plaster surface. Quartz surfaces are in ways the best of plaster and pebble finishes. SwimmingPool.com said quartz finishes typically last between seven and 12 years.
Fiberglass pools need the least maintenance, and they cost the least ($3,750 over 10 years).
A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.
A fiberglass pool typically has the highest upfront cost but the lowest maintenance cost. They are quick to install, but because they're built from a mold the shape is not customizable (and they can't be wider than 16 feet). A vinyl pool has the lowest installation cost and can be built to any size and shape.
Diamond Brite® finishes are blends of selected quartz aggregates and fortified white Portland cement ideal for new or re-finished swimming pools. Diamond Brite® finishes are factory blended to provide the pool owner with an extremely durable and attractive alternative to traditional pool coatings.
PLASTER IS LONG LASTING: The secret to long life of any pool surface is properly maintained water balance. Improper water balance will destroy any pool surface and in many cases, void the warranty of that surface. A plaster surface, in a properly maintained pool, can last 15 to 25 years.
Marcite is also the most affordable option for a new pool or replastering an existing one. With properly maintained pool water, it will last 8 to 12 years.
Diamond Brite finish, on the other hand, costs a little more than white plaster but is more durable and has a longer lifespan of about 10-15 years. As well, you also have the freedom to personalize your pool thanks to the variety of exquisite shades available for you to choose from.
Common colors for Diamond Brite pools include Cool Blue, Onyx, Ivory, Oyster Quartz, Aqua Quartz, and Verde. However, our favorites are Tahoe Blue and French Gray.
It varies depending on the type of pool, with plaster or cement pools needing to be resurfaced every 3-7 years while fiberglass pools can sometimes go as long as 15-30 years.
Durability: A Pebble Tec surface should last 20+ years with the proper care and maintenance. A plaster pool should be re-plastered approximately every 5 years.
Cons of Pebble Pool Surfaces
Pebble pool finishes are generally pricier than plaster finishing, and it is true that pebble pool surfaces can be a bit rough on feet if not installed correctly. Calcium or mineral buildup can also be a concern for pebble pool surfaces.
Thanks to its relatively simple look and material makeup, pool plaster is a lot less expensive than Pebble Tec®. White plaster costs about $4 for every square foot of pool surface. Meanwhile, a pebble finish, like Pebble Tec® or Pebble Sheen®, can easily cost $10 or more per square foot.
Traditionally, Pebble Tec pool repair is done after draining the pool. The problem with this is that when the hot sun shines down on the finish, further damage can occur. Even worse, structural cracking is always a concern when letting all or most of the water out of a swimming pool.
Pebble Tec is on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Pebble Tec is a mix of large pebbles, stone aggregate, and cement. This is the most durable of the plaster pool types as its surface last from 15 to 20 years +. Pebble Tec is the top choice for gunite pool buyers.
It quarries its own stone so it can carry out its own quality control to create a visually appealing, high-quality finish. Pebble Tec is extremely durable. Compared to plaster pools that only last between 6-8 years, Pebble Tec pool finishes can last from 10-15 years.